U.S. patent number 5,785,521 [Application Number 08/575,775] was granted by the patent office on 1998-07-28 for fluid conditioning system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to BioLase Technology, Inc.. Invention is credited to Andrew I. Kimmel, Ioana M. Rizoiu.
United States Patent |
5,785,521 |
Rizoiu , et al. |
July 28, 1998 |
Fluid conditioning system
Abstract
A fluid conditioning system is adaptable to condition the water
or air used in medical and dental cutting, irrigating, evacuating,
cleaning, and drilling operations. The air or water may be
conditioned by adding flavor, scent, saline, medications, and
disinfectants. In addition to the direct benefits obtained from
introduction of these agents, the laser cutting properties may be
varied from the selective introduction of the various agents.
Inventors: |
Rizoiu; Ioana M. (Capistrano
Beach, CA), Kimmel; Andrew I. (San Clemente, CA) |
Assignee: |
BioLase Technology, Inc. (San
Clemente, CA)
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Family
ID: |
46251728 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/575,775 |
Filed: |
December 20, 1995 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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522503 |
Aug 31, 1995 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/29; 433/104;
433/82; 433/86 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
18/26 (20130101); A61C 1/0046 (20130101); B23K
26/144 (20151001); B23K 26/146 (20151001); A61B
17/16 (20130101); A61B 17/3203 (20130101); A61B
18/20 (20130101); A61B 2017/22085 (20130101); A61B
2018/263 (20130101); A61B 2090/0813 (20160201); A61C
2201/007 (20130101); A61F 2210/0014 (20130101); A61M
3/0279 (20130101); A61B 2218/008 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
18/20 (20060101); A61B 18/26 (20060101); A61C
1/00 (20060101); B23K 26/14 (20060101); A61B
17/22 (20060101); A61B 17/16 (20060101); A61B
17/32 (20060101); A61B 18/00 (20060101); A61B
19/00 (20060101); A61F 2/00 (20060101); A61M
3/00 (20060101); A61M 3/02 (20060101); A61C
003/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;433/101,80,81,82,84,85,86,87,104,29 ;606/3,33,10,13
;219/121.84 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0181199 |
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May 1986 |
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EP |
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0454312 |
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Oct 1991 |
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EP |
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4138468 |
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Mar 1993 |
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DE |
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5945092 |
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Mar 1984 |
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JP |
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2270846 |
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Mar 1994 |
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GB |
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Other References
New Laser--Matter Interaction Concept to Enhance Hard Tissue
Cutting Efficiency by Ioana M. Rizoiu and Larry G. DeShazer,
published in SPIE vol. 2134A Laser-Tissue Interaction
V(1994)/309..
|
Primary Examiner: O'Connor; Cary E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Mullins; Kenton R.
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser.
No. 05/522,503 filed on Aug. 31, 1995, pending, and entitled USER
PROGRAMMABLE COMBINATION OF ATOMIZED PARTICLES FOR
ELECTROMAGNETICALLY INDUCED CUTTING, which is commonly assigned and
the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
Claims
We claim:
1. An apparatus for implementing a medical procedure,
comprising:
a medical instrument comprising an electromagnetic energy source,
the medical instrument being adapted to perform a medical-treatment
function on an operating site located inside of or connected to a
human body;
a fluid router for routing atomized flavored fluid particles in a
direction of the operating site;
wherein the fluid router routes the atomized flavored fluid
particles into a volume of air above the operating site; and
wherein the electromagnetic energy source focuses electromagnetic
energy into the volume of air, the electromagnetic energy having a
wavelength which is substantially absorbed by the atomized flavored
fluid particles in the volume of air, the absorption of the
electromagnetic energy by the atomized flavored fluid particles
causing the atomized flavored fluid particles to explode and impart
disruptive mechanical forces onto the operating site.
2. The apparatus for implementing a medical procedure according to
claim 1, further comprising means for switching between a first
mode and a second mode, whereby the fluid router is operable
between the first mode wherein the routed fluid is flavored, and
the second mode wherein the routed fluid is not flavored.
3. An apparatus for implementing a medical procedure,
comprising:
a medical instrument for performing a medical-treatment function on
an operating site located inside of or connected to a human
body;
a router comprising a scented substance and being adapted to route
a scented medium in a direction of the operating site; and
wherein the medical instrument comprises one of an
electrocauterizer, an electromagnetic energy source for directing
electromagnetic energy in a direction of the operating site, and a
laser.
4. The apparatus for implementing a medical procedure according to
claim 3, wherein the electromagnetic energy source focusses the
electromagnetic energy on the operating site,
wherein the scented medium comprises scented water, and
wherein the router routes the scented water onto the operating
site, to thereby cool the operating site as the operating site is
being cut by the electromagnetic energy.
5. The apparatus for implementing a medical procedure according to
claim 4, further comprising means for switching between a first
mode and a second mode; wherein
the router is operable between the first mode where the routed
medium is scented, and the second mode where the routed medium is
not scented.
6. The apparatus for implementing a medical procedure according to
claim 3, wherein the electromagnetic energy source focusses the
electromagnetic energy on the operating site, and
wherein the scented medium comprises a scented mist, and
wherein the router routes the scented mist onto the operating site,
to thereby cool the operating site as the operating site is being
cut by the electromagnetic energy.
7. The apparatus for implementing a medical procedure according to
claim 3, wherein the router comprises an atomizer for atomizing the
scented medium before routing the scented medium in the direction
of the operating site.
8. An apparatus for implementing a medical procedure,
comprising:
a medical instrument for performing a medical-treatment function on
an operating site located inside of or connected to a human
body;
a router comprising a scented substance and being adapted to route
a scented medium in a direction of the operating site; and
wherein the scented medium comprises scented air.
9. An apparatus for implementing a medical procedure,
comprising:
a medical instrument for performing a medical-treatment function on
an operating site located inside of or connected to a human
body;
a router comprising a scented substance and being adapted to route
a scented medium in a direction of the operating site;
wherein the medical instrument comprises one of an
electrocauterizer, an electromagnetic energy source for directing
electromagnetic energy in a direction of the operating site, and a
laser;
wherein the router comprises an atomizer for atomizing the scented
medium before routing the scented medium in the direction of the
operating site;
wherein the atomizer routes the atomized scented medium into a
volume of air above the operating site; and
wherein the electromagnetic energy source focuses electromagnetic
energy into the volume of air, the electromagnetic energy having a
wavelength which is substantially absorbed by portions of the
atomized scented medium in the volume of air, the absorption of the
electromagnetic energy by the portions of the atomized scented
medium causing the portions of the atomized scented medium to
explode and impart disruptive mechanical forces onto the operating
site.
10. The apparatus for implementing a medical procedure according to
claim 9, further comprising means for switching between a first
mode and a second mode; wherein
the router is operable between the first mode where the routed
medium is scented, and the second mode where the routed medium is
not scented.
11. An apparatus for implementing a medical procedure,
comprising:
a medical instrument for performing a medical-treatment function on
an operating site located inside of or connected to a human
body;
a fluid router comprising an ionizing substance and being adapted
to route an ionized solution in a direction of the operating
site;
wherein the medical instrument comprises one of an
electrocauterizer, an electromagnetic energy source for directing
electromagnetic energy in a direction of the operating site, and a
laser;
wherein the fluid router comprises an atomizer for atomizing the
ionized solution into atomized particles before routing the
atomized particles in the direction of the operating site;
wherein the atomizer routes the atomized particles into a volume of
air above the operating site, and
wherein the electromagnetic energy source focuses electromagnetic
energy into the volume of air, the electromagnetic energy having a
wavelength which is substantially absorbed by the atomized
particles in the volume of air, the absorption of the
electromagnetic energy by the atomized particles causing the
atomized particles to explode and impart disruptive mechanical
forces onto the operating site.
12. An apparatus for implementing a medical procedure,
comprising:
a medical instrument for performing a medical-treatment function on
an operating site located inside of or connected to a human
body;
a fluid router comprising an ionizing substance and being adapted
to route an ionized solution in a direction of the operating
site;
means for switching among a first mode, a second mode, and any of a
plurality of modes between the first mode and the second mode;
wherein the medical instrument comprises one of an
electrocauterizer, an electromagnetic energy source for directing
electromagnetic energy in a direction of the operating site, and a
laser;
whereby the fluid router is operable between the first mode wherein
solution routed therefrom is ionized, and the second mode wherein
solution routed therefrom is not ionized; and
whereby the fluid router is operable in a plurality of modes
between the first mode and the second mode to thereby continuously
control a cutting power of the electromagnetic energy source.
13. The apparatus for implementing a medical procedure according to
claim 12, wherein the cutting power of the electromagnetic energy
source decreases as the fluid from the fluid router becomes more
ionized.
14. The apparatus for implementing a medical procedure according to
claim 13, wherein a strength of the electromagnetic energy source
is adjustable to control the cutting power of the electromagnetic
energy source.
15. The apparatus for implementing a medical procedure according to
claim 14, wherein the strength of the electromagnetic energy source
is adapted to be increased when the fluid from the fluid router
becomes more ionized, to thereby maintain a constant cutting power
of the electromagnetic energy source, and
wherein the strength of the electromagnetic energy source is
adapted to be decreased when the fluid from the fluid router
becomes less ionized, to thereby maintain a constant cutting power
of the electromagnetic energy source.
16. An apparatus for imparting mechanical forces onto a target
surface, comprising:
an atomizer assembly comprising a pigmented substance and being
adapted to place pigmented atomized fluid particles into a volume
of air above the target surface; and
an electromagnetic energy source for directing electromagnetic
energy into the volume of air, the electromagnetic energy having a
wavelength which is substantially absorbed by the pigmented
atomized fluid particles in the volume of air, the absorption of
the electromagnetic energy by the pigmented atomized fluid
particles causing the pigmented atomized fluid particles to explode
and impart disruptive mechanical forces onto the target
surface.
17. An apparatus for imparting mechanical forces onto a target
surface, comprising:
an atomizer for placing atomized fluid particles into a volume of
air above the target surface;
an electromagnetic energy source for directing electromagnetic
energy into the volume of air, the electromagnetic energy having a
wavelength which is substantially absorbed by the atomized fluid
particles in the volume of air, the absorption of the
electromagnetic energy by the atomized fluid particles causing the
atomized fluid particles to explode and impart disruptive
mechanical forces onto the target surface; and
a fluid source comprising a pigmented substance and being adapted
to deliver pigmented fluid to an approximate vicinity of the target
surface, the pigmented fluid having a color which is substantially
unabsorbed by the electromagnetic energy.
18. An apparatus for imparting mechanical forces onto a target
surface, comprising:
an atomizer for placing atomized fluid particles into a volume of
air above the target surface;
an electromagnetic energy source for directing electromagnetic
energy into the volume of air, the electromagnetic energy having a
wavelength which is substantially absorbed by the atomized fluid
particles in the volume of air, the absorption of the
electromagnetic energy by the atomized fluid particles causing the
atomized fluid particles to explode and impart disruptive
mechanical forces onto the target surface; and
supplying means connected to the atomizer, for selectively
supplying a pigmentation to the atomized fluid particles.
19. The apparatus for imparting mechanical forces onto a target
surface according to claim 18 wherein the pigmentation is
selectively supplied to the atomized fluid particles according to a
user input.
20. The apparatus for imparting mechanical forces onto a target
surface according to claim 18, wherein the electromagnetic energy
has a wavelength that is substantially absorbed by the atomized
fluid particles when the pigmentation is supplied to the atomized
fluid particles.
21. The apparatus for imparting mechanical forces onto a target
surface according to claim 18, wherein the electromagnetic energy
has a wavelength that is substantially absorbed by the atomized
fluid particles when the pigmentation is not supplied to the
atomized fluid particles.
22. The apparatus for imparting mechanical forces onto a target
surface according to claim 18, wherein the atomizer comprises a
water source line and an air source line, and
wherein the pigmentation is selectively supplied to the atomized
fluid particles via one of the air source line and the water source
line.
23. An apparatus for implementing a medical procedure
comprising:
a medical instrument for performing a medical-treatment function on
an operating site located inside of or connected to a human
body;
means for switching between a first mode and a second mode;
a router comprising a medication substance and being adapted to
route a medication medium in a direction of the operating site,
whereby the router is operable between the first mode wherein fluid
routed therefrom is medicated, and the second mode wherein fluid
routed therefrom is not medicated; and
wherein the medication medium comprises one of a steroid, an
anti-inflammatory, adrenaline, and epinephrine.
24. An apparatus for implementing a medical procedure
comprising:
a medical instrument for performing a medical-treatment function on
an operating site located inside of or connected to a human
body;
means for switching between a first mode and a second mode;
a router comprising a medication substance and being adapted to
route a medication medium in a direction of the operating site,
whereby the router is operable between the first mode wherein fluid
routed therefrom is medicated, and the second mode wherein fluid
routed therefrom is not medicated; and
wherein the medication medium comprises vitamins.
25. An apparatus for implementing a medical procedure
comprising:
a medical instrument for performing a medical-treatment function on
an operating site located inside of or connected to a human
body;
means for switching between a first mode and a second mode;
a router comprising a medication substance and being adapted to
route a medication medium in a direction of the operating site,
whereby the router is operable between the first mode wherein fluid
routed therefrom is medicated, and the second mode wherein fluid
routed therefrom is not medicated; and
wherein the medical instrument comprises one of an
electrocauterizer, an electromagnetic energy source for directing
electromagnetic energy in a direction of the operating site, and a
laser.
26. The apparatus for implementing a medical procedure according to
claim 25, wherein:
the medical instrument comprises an electromagnetic energy
source;
the electromagnetic energy source focuses the electromagnetic
energy on the operating site; and
the router routes the medication medium onto the operating site to
thereby cool and medicate the operating site as the operating site
is being cut by the electromagnetic energy.
27. The apparatus for implementing a medical procedure according to
claim 25, wherein the router comprises an atomizer for atomizing
the medication medium into atomized particles before routing the
medication medium in the direction of the operating site.
28. The apparatus for implementing a medical procedure according to
claim 27, wherein the atomizer routes the atomized particles into a
volume of air above the operating site, and
wherein the electromagnetic energy source focuses electromagnetic
energy into the volume of air, the electromagnetic energy having a
wavelength which is substantially absorbed by the atomized
particles in the volume of air, the absorption of the
electromagnetic energy by the atomized particles causing the
atomized particles to explode and impart disruptive mechanical
forces onto the operating site.
29. An apparatus for implementing a medical procedure,
comprising:
a medical instrument for performing a medical-treatment function on
an operating site located inside of or connected to a human
body;
receiving means for receiving an instruction from a user to supply
a first type of fluid and for receiving an instruction from a user
to supply a conditioned fluid;
a fluid router for selectively routing pigmented fluid in a
direction of the tissue, the fluid router being adapted to route
pigmented fluid upon receipt of an instruction into the receiving
means to supply conditioned fluid; and
wherein the medical instrument comprises one of an
electrocauterizer, an electromagnetic energy source for directing
electromagnetic energy in a direction of the operating site, and a
laser.
30. The apparatus for implementing a medical procedure according to
claim 29, further comprising means for switching between a first
mode and a second mode; wherein
the fluid router is operable between the first mode where the
routed fluid is pigmented, and the second mode where the routed
fluid is not pigmented.
31. The apparatus for implementing a medical procedure according to
claim 30, wherein a wavelength of the electromagnetic energy source
is substantially absorbed by the pigmented fluid.
32. An apparatus for imparting mechanical forces onto a target
surface, comprising:
an atomizer assembly comprising a medicated substance and being
adapted to place medicating atomized fluid particles into a volume
of air above the target surface; and
an electromagnetic energy source for directing electromagnetic
energy into the volume of air, the electromagnetic energy having a
wavelength which is substantially absorbed by the medicating
atomized fluid particles in the volume of air, the absorption of
the electromagnetic energy by the medicating atomized fluid
particles causing the medicating atomized fluid particles to impart
disruptive mechanical forces onto the target surface.
33. The apparatus for imparting mechanical forces onto a target
surface according to claim 32, wherein the medicated substance
comprises an anesthetic substance.
34. The apparatus for imparting mechanical forces onto a target
surface according to claim 32, wherein the medicating atomized
fluid particles comprise a sterile substance.
35. The apparatus for imparting mechanical forces onto a target
surface according to claim 32, wherein the medicating atomized
fluid particles comprise at least one of an antibiotic, iodine, a
steroid, an anesthetic, an anti-inflammatory, a disinfectant,
adrenaline, epinephrine, and a stringent.
36. An apparatus for imparting mechanical forces onto a target
surface, comprising:
an atomizer assembly comprising a disinfectant substance and being
adapted to place disinfecting atomized fluid particles into a
volume of air above the target surface; and
an electromagnetic energy source for directing electromagnetic
energy into the volume of air, the electromagnetic energy having a
wavelength which is substantially absorbed by the disinfecting
atomized fluid particles in the volume of air, the absorption of
the electromagnetic energy by the disinfecting atomized fluid
particles causing the disinfecting atomized fluid particles to
impart disruptive mechanical forces onto the target surface.
37. The apparatus for imparting mechanical forces onto a target
surface according to claim 36, wherein the sterile substance
comprises sterilized water.
38. The apparatus for imparting mechanical forces onto a target
surface according to claim 36, wherein the disinfectant substance
comprises a sterile substance.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to medical cutting,
irrigating, evacuating, cleaning, and drilling techniques and, more
particularly to a system for introducing conditioned fluids into
the cutting, irrigating, evacuating, cleaning, and drilling
techniques.
A prior art dental/medical work station 11 is shown in FIG. 1. A
vacuum line 12 and an air supply line 13 supply negative and
positive pressures, respectively. A water supply line 14 and an
electrical outlet 15 supply water and power, respectively. The
vacuum line 12, the air supply line 13, the water supply line 14,
and the power source 15 are all connected to the dental/medical
unit 16.
The dental/medical unit 16 may comprise a dental seat or an
operating table, a sink, an overhead light, and other conventional
equipment used in dental and medical procedures. The dental/medical
unit 16 provides water, air, vacuum and/or power to the instruments
17. These instruments may include an electrocauterizer, an
electromagnetic energy source, a mechanical drill, a mechanical
saw, a canal finder, a syringe, and/or an evacuator.
The electromagnetic energy source is typically a laser coupled with
a delivery system. The laser 18a and delivery system 19a, both
shown in phantom, as well as any of the above-mentioned
instruments, may be connected directly to the dental/medical unit
16. Alternatively, the laser 18b and delivery system 19b, both
shown in phantom, may be connected directly to the water supply 14,
the air supply 13, and the electric outlet 15. Other instruments 17
may be connected directly to any of the vacuum line 12, the air
supply line 13, the water supply line 14, and/or the electrical
outlet 15.
The laser 18 and delivery system 19 may typically comprise an
electromagnetic cutter for dental use. A conventional prior art
electromagnetic cutter is shown in FIG. 2. According to this prior
art apparatus, a fiber guide tube 30, a water line 31, an air line
32, and an air knife line 33 (which supplies pressurized air) may
be fed from the dental/medical unit 16 into the hand-held apparatus
34. A cap 35 fits onto the hand-held apparatus 34 and is secured
via threads 36. The fiber guide tube 30 abuts within a cylindrical
metal piece 37. Another cylindrical metal piece 38 is a part of the
cap 35. When the cap 35 is threaded onto the hand-held device 34,
the two cylindrical metal tubes 37 and 38 are moved into very close
proximity of one another. The pressurized air from the air knife
line 33 surrounds and cools the laser as the laser bridges the gap
between the two metal cylindrical objects 37 and 38. Air from the
air knife line 33 flows out of the two exhausts 39 and 41 after
cooling the interface between elements 37 and 38.
The laser energy exits from the fiber guide tube 42 and is applied
to a target surface within the patient's mouth, according to a
predetermined surgical plan. Water from the water line 31 and
pressurized air from the air line 32 are forced into the mixing
chamber 43. The air and water mixture is very turbulent in the
mixing chamber 43, and exits this chamber through a mesh screen
with small holes 44. The air and water mixture travels along the
outside of the fiber guide tube 42, and then leaves the tube 42 and
contacts the area of surgery. The air and water spray coming from
the tip of the fiber guide tube 42 helps to cool the target surface
being cut and to remove materials cut by the laser.
Water is generally used in a variety of laser cutting operations in
order to cool the target surface. Additionally, water is used in
mechanical drilling operations for cooling the target surface and
removing cut or drilled materials therefrom. Many prior art cutting
or drilling systems use a combination of air and water, commonly
combined to form a light mist, for cooling a target surface and/or
removing cut materials from the target surface.
The use of water in these prior art systems has been somewhat
successful for the limited purposes of cooling a target surface or
removing debris therefrom. These prior art uses of water in cutting
and drilling operations, however, have not allowed for versatility,
outside of the two functions of cooling and removing debris. In
particular, during cutting or drilling operations, medication
treatments, preventative measure applications, and aesthetically
pleasing substances, such as flavors or aromas, have not been
possible or used. A conventional drilling operation may benefit
from the use of an anesthetic near the drilling operation, for
example, but during this drilling operation only water and/or air
has so far been used. In the case of a laser cutting operation, a
disinfectant, such as iodine, could be applied to the target
surface during drilling to guard against infection, but this
additional disinfectant has not been applied during such laser
cutting operations. In the case of an oral drilling or cutting
operation, unpleasant tastes or odors may be generated, which may
be unpleasing to the patient. The conventional use of only water
during this oral procedure does not mask the undesirable taste or
odor. A need has thus existed in the prior art for versatility of
applications and of treatments during drilling and cutting
procedures.
Compressed gases, pressurized air, and electrical motors are
commonly used to provide the driving force for mechanical cutting
instruments, such as drills, in dentistry and medicine. The
compressed gases and pressurized water are subsequently ejected
into the atmosphere in close proximity to or inside of the
patient's mouth and/or nose. The same holds true for electrically
driven turbines when a cooling spray (air and water) is typically
ejected into the patient's mouth, as well. These ejected fluids
commonly contain vaporous elements of burnt flesh or drilled tissue
structure. This odor can be quite uncomfortable for the patient,
and can increase trauma experienced by the patient during the
drilling or cutting procedure. In a such a drilling or cutting
procedure, a mechanism for masking the smell and the odor generated
from the cutting or drilling may be advantageous.
Another problem exists in the prior art with bacteria growth on
surfaces within a dental operating room. The interior surfaces of
air, vacuum, and water lines of the dental unit, for example, are
subject to bacteria growth. Additionally, the air and water used to
cool the tissue being cut or drilled within the patient's mouth is
often vaporized into the air to some degree. This vaporized air and
water condensates on surfaces of the dental equipment within the
dental operating room. These moist surfaces can also promote
bacteria growth, which is undesirable. A system for reducing the
bacteria growth within air, vacuum, and water lines, and for
reducing the bacteria growth resulting from condensation on
exterior surfaces, is needed to reduce sources of contamination
within a dental operating room.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The fluid conditioning system of the present invention is adaptable
to most existing medical and dental cutting, irrigating,
evacuating, cleaning, and drilling apparatuses. Flavored fluid is
used in place of regular tap water during drilling operations. In
the case of a laser surgical operation, electromagnetic energy is
focused in a direction of the tissue to be cut, and a fluid router
routes flavored fluid in the same direction. The flavored fluid may
appeal to the taste buds of the patient undergoing the surgical
procedure, and may include any of a variety of flavors, such as a
fruit flavor or a mint flavor. In the case of a mist or air spray,
scented air may be used to mask the smell of burnt or drilled
tissue. The scent may function as an air freshener, even for
operations outside of dental applications.
The fluids used for cooling a surgical site and/or removing tissue
may further include an ionized solution, such as a biocompatible
saline solution, and may further include fluids having
predetermined densities, specific gravities, pH levels,
viscosities, or temperatures, relative to conventional tap water.
Additionally, the fluids may include a medication, such as an
antibiotic, a steroid, an anesthetic, an anti-inflammatory, an
antiseptic or disinfectant, adrenaline, epinephrine, or an
astringent. The fluid may also include vitamins, herbs, or
minerals.
Introduction of any of the above-mentioned conditioning agents to
the conventional water of a cutting or drilling operation may be
controlled by a user input. Thus, for example, a user may adjust a
knob or apply pressure to a foot pedal in order to introduce iodine
into the water after a cutting operation has been performed. The
amount of conditioning applied to the air, water, or mist may be a
function of the position of the foot pedal, for example.
According to one broad aspect of the present invention, a mist of
atomized particles is placed into a volume of air above the tissue
to be cut, and a source of electromagnetic energy, such as a laser,
is focused into the volume of air. The electromagnetic energy has a
wavelength, which is substantially absorbed by the atomized
particles in the volume air. This absorption of the electromagnetic
energy by the atomized particles causes the atomized particles to
explode and impart mechanical cutting forces onto the tissue.
According to this feature, the electromagnetic energy source does
not directly cut the tissue but, rather, the exploded fluid
particles are used to cut the tissue. These fluid particles may be
conditioned with flavors, scents, ionization, medications,
disinfectants, and other agents, as previously mentioned.
Since the electromagnetic energy is focused directly on the
atomized, conditioned fluid particles, the cutting forces are
changed, depending upon the conditioning of the atomized fluid
particles. The mechanical cutting efficiency is proportional
(related) to the absorption of the electromagnetic energy by the
fluid spray. The absorption characteristic can be modified by
changing the fluid composition. For example, introduction of a salt
into the water before atomization, resulting in an ionized
solution, will exhibit slower cutting properties than does regular
water. This slower cutting may be desirable, or the laser power may
be increased to compensate for the ionized, atomized fluid
particles. Additionally, the atomized fluid particles may be
pigmented to either enhance or retard absorption of the
electromagnetic energy, to thereby additionally control the cutting
power of the system. Two sources of fluid may be used, with one of
the sources having a pigment and the other not having a
pigment.
Another feature of the present invention places a disinfectant in
the air, mist, or water used for dental applications. This
disinfectant can be periodically routed through the air, mist, or
water lines to disinfect the interior surfaces of these lines. This
routing of disinfectant can be performed between patients, daily,
or at any other predetermined intervals. A mouthwash may be used,
for example, at the end of each procedure to both clean the
patient's mouth and clean the air and water tubes.
According to another feature of the present invention, when
disinfectant is routed through the lines during a medical
procedure, the disinfectant stays with the water or mist, as the
water or mist becomes airborne and settles on surrounding surfaces
within the dental operating room. Bacteria growth within the lines,
and from the condensation, is significantly attenuated, since the
disinfectant retards bacteria growth on the moist surfaces.
The present invention, together with additional features and
advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the
following description taken in connection with the accompanying
illustrative drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional dental/medical work station;
FIG. 2 is a conventional optical cutter apparatus;
FIG. 3 illustrates a dental/medical work station according to the
present invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an electromagnetic
cutter using conditioned fluid, according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 5a illustrates one embodiment of the electromagnetic cutter of
FIG. 2;
FIG. 5b illustrates another embodiment of the electromagnetic
cutter of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6a illustrates a mechanical drilling apparatus according to
the present invention;
FIG. 6b illustrates a syringe according to the present
invention;
FIG. 7 illustrates the fluid conditioning system of the present
invention;
FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of the fluid conditioning unit of
the present invention; and
FIG. 9 illustrates the air conditioning unit of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The dental/medical work station 111 of the present invention is
shown in FIG. 3, with elements similar to those shown in FIG. 1
proceeded by a "1". The dental/medical work station 111 comprises a
conventional air line 113 and a conventional water line 114 for
supplying air and water, respectively. A vacuum line 112 and an
electrical outlet 115 supply negative air pressure and electricity
to the dental/medical unit 116, similarly to the vacuum 12 and
electrical 15 lines shown in FIG. 1. The fluid conditioning unit
121 may, alternatively, be placed between the dental/medical unit
116 and the instruments 117, for example. According to the present
invention, the air line 113 and the water line 114 are both
connected to a fluid conditioning unit 121.
A controller 125 allows for user inputs, to control whether air
from the air line 113, water from the water line 114, or both, are
conditioned by the fluid conditioning unit 121. A variety of agents
may be applied to the air or water by the fluid conditioning unit
121, according to a configuration of the controller 125, for
example, to thereby condition the air or water, before the air or
water is output to the dental/medical unit 116. Flavoring agents
and related substances, for example, may be used, such as disclosed
in 21 C.F.R. Sections 172.510 and 172.515, the details of which are
incorporated herein by reference. Colors, for example, may also be
used for conditioning, such as disclosed in 21 C.F.R. Section 73.1
to Section 73.3126.
Similarly to the instruments 17 shown in FIG. 1, the instruments
117 may comprise an electrocauterizer, an electromagnetic energy
source, a laser, a mechanical drill, a mechanical saw, a canal
finder, a syringe, and/or an evacuator. All of these instruments
117 use air from the air line 113 and/or water from the water line
114, which may or may not be conditioned depending on the
configuration of the controller 125. Any of the instruments 117 may
alternatively be connected directly to the fluid conditioning unit
121 or directly to any of the air 113, water 114, vacuum 112,
and/or electric 115 lines. For example, a laser 118 and delivery
system 119 is shown in phantom connected to the fluid conditioning
unit 121. The laser 118a and delivery system 119a may be connected
to the dental/medical unit 116, instead of being grouped with the
instruments 117.
The block diagram shown in FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a
laser 51 directly coupled with, for example, the air 113, water
114, and power 115 lines of FIG. 3. A separate fluid conditioning
system is used in this embodiment. As an alternative to the laser,
or any other tool being connected directly to any or all of the
four supply lines 113-115 and having an independent fluid
conditioning unit, any of these tools may instead, or additionally,
be connected to the dental/medical unit 116 or the fluid
conditioning unit 121, or both.
According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, an
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter is used for cutting.
Details of this cutter are disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent
application, Ser. No. 08/522,503, assigned to the assignee of this
application. The electromagnetic cutter energy source 51 is
connected directly to the outlet 115 (FIG. 3), and is coupled to
both a controller 53 and a delivery system 55. The delivery system
55 routes and focuses the laser 51. In the case of a conventional
laser system, thermal cutting forces are imparted onto the target
57. The delivery system 55 preferably comprises a fiberoptic guide
for routing the laser 51 into an interaction zone 59, located above
the target surface 57. The fluid router 60 preferably comprises an
atomizer for delivering user-specified combinations of atomized
fluid particles into the interaction zone 59. The atomized fluid
particles are conditioned, according to the present invention, and
may comprise flavors, scents, saline, and other agents, as
discussed below.
In the case of a conventional laser, a stream or mist of
conditioned fluid is supplied by the fluid router 60. The
controller 53 may control various operating parameters of the laser
51, the conditioning of the fluid from the fluid router 60, and the
specific characteristics of the fluid from the fluid router 60.
Although the present invention may be used with conventional drills
and lasers, for example, one preferred embodiment is the
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter. Other preferred
embodiments include an electrocauterizer, a syringe, an evacuator,
or any air or electrical driver, drilling, filling, or cleaning
mechanical instrument. FIG. 5a shows a simple embodiment of the
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter, in which a
fiberoptic guide 61, an air tube 63, and a fluid tube 65 are placed
within a hand-held housing 67. Although a variety of connections
are possible, the air tube 63 and water tube 65 are preferably
connected to either the fluid conditioning unit 121 or the
dental/medical unit 116 of FIG. 3. The fluid tube 65 is preferably
operated under a relatively low pressure, and the air tube 63 is
preferably operated under a relatively high pressure.
According to the present invention, either the air from the air
tube 63 or the fluid from the fluid tube 65, or both, are
selectively conditioned by the fluid conditioning unit 121, as
controlled by the controller 125. The laser energy from the
fiberoptic guide 61 focuses onto a combination of air and fluid,
from the air tube 63 and the fluid tube 65, at the interaction zone
59. Atomized fluid particles in the air and fluid mixture absorb
energy from the laser energy of the fiberoptic tube 61, and
explode. The explosive forces from these atomized fluid particles
impart mechanical cutting forces onto the target 57.
Turning back to FIG. 2, a conventional optical cutter focuses laser
energy on a target surface at an area A, for example, and the
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter focuses laser energy
into an interaction zone B, for example. The conventional optical
cutter uses the laser energy directly to cut tissue, and the
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter uses the laser energy
to expand atomized fluid particles to thus impart mechanical
cutting forces onto the target surface. The atomized fluid
particles are heated, expanded, and cooled before contacting the
target surface.
FIG. 5b illustrates a preferred embodiment of the
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter. The atomizer for
generating atomized fluid particles comprises a nozzle 71, which
may be interchanged with other nozzles (not shown) for obtaining
various spatial distributions of the atomized fluid particles,
according to the type of cut desired. A second nozzle 72, shown in
phantom lines, may also be used. In a simple embodiment, a user
controls the air and water pressure entering into the nozzle 71.
The nozzle 71 is thus capable of generating many different
user-specified combinations of atomized fluid particles and
aerosolized sprays.
Intense energy is emitted from the fiberoptic guide 23. This
intense energy is preferably generated from a coherent source, such
as a laser. In the presently preferred embodiment, the laser
comprises an erbium, chromium, yttrium, scandium, gallium garnet
(Er, Cr:YSGG) solid state laser. When fluids besides mere water are
used, the absorption of the light energy changes and cutting
efficiency is thus affected. Alternatively, when using certain
fluids containing pigments or dyes, laser systems of different
wavelengths such as Neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet-Nd:YAG
wavelengths may be selected to allow for high absorption by the
fluid.
The delivery system 55 for delivering the electromagnetic energy
includes a fiberoptic energy guide or equivalent which attaches to
the laser system and travels to the desired work site. Fiberoptics
or waveguides are typically long, thin and lightweight, and are
easily manipulated. Fiberoptics can be made of calcium fluoride
(CaF), calcium oxide (CaO2), zirconium oxide (ZrO2), zirconium
fluoride (ZrF), sapphire, hollow waveguide, liquid core, TeX glass,
quartz silica, germanium sulfide, arsenic sulfide, germanium oxide
(GeO2), and other materials. Other delivery systems include devices
comprising mirrors, lenses and other optical components where the
energy travels through a cavity, is directed by various mirrors,
and is focused onto the targeted cutting site with specific
lenses.
The preferred embodiment of light delivery for medical applications
of the present invention is through a fiberoptic conductor, because
of its light weight, lower cost, and ability to be packaged inside
of a handpiece of familiar size and weight to the surgeon, dentist,
or clinician. Non-fiberoptic systems may be used in both industrial
applications and medical applications, as well. The nozzle 71 is
employed to create an engineered combination of small particles of
the chosen fluid. The nozzle 71 may comprise several different
designs including liquid only, air blast, air assist, swirl, solid
cone, etc. When fluid exits the nozzle 71 at a given pressure and
rate, it is transformed into particles of user-controllable sizes,
velocities, and spatial distributions.
A mechanical drill 60 is shown in FIG. 6a, comprising a handle 62,
a drill bit 64, and a water output 66. The mechanical drill 60
comprises a motor 68, which may be electrically driven, or driven
by pressurized air.
When the motor 68 is driven by air, for example, the fluid enters
the mechanical drill 60 through the first supply line 70. Fluid
entering through the first supply line 70 passes through the motor
68, which may comprise a turbine, for example, to thereby provide
rotational forces to the drill bit 64. A portion of the fluid,
which may not appeal to a patient's taste and/or smell, may exit
around the drill bit 64, coming into contact with the patient's
mouth and/or nose. The majority of the fluid exits back through the
first supply line 70.
In the case of an electric motor, for example, the first supply
line 70 provides electric power. The second supply line 74 supplies
fluid to the fluid output 66. The water and/or air supplied to the
mechanical drill 60 may be selectively conditioned by the fluid
conditioning unit 121, according to the configuration of the
controller 125.
The syringe 76 shown in FIG. 6b comprises an air input line 78 and
a water input line 80. A user control 82 is movable between a first
position and a second position. The first position supplies air
from the air line 78 to the output tip 84, and the second position
supplies water from the water line 80 to the output tip 84. Either
the air from the air line 78, the water from the water line 80, or
both, may be selectively conditioned by the fluid conditioning unit
121, according to the configuration of the controller 125, for
example.
Turning to FIG. 7, a portion of the fluid conditioning unit 121
(FIG. 3) is shown. This fluid conditioning unit 121 is preferably
adaptable to existing water lines 114, for providing conditioned
fluid to the dental/medical unit 116 as a substitute for regular
tap water in drilling and cutting operations, for example. The
interface 89 connects to an existing water line 114 and feeds water
through the fluid-in line 81 and the bypass line 91. The reservoir
83 accepts water from the fluid-in line 81 and outputs conditioned
fluid to the fluid-out line 85. The fluid-in line 81, the reservoir
83, and the fluid-out line 85 together comprise a fluid
conditioning subunit 87.
Conditioned fluid is output from the fluid conditioning subunit 87
into the combination unit 93. The fluid may be conditioned by
conventional means, such as the addition of a tablet, liquid syrup,
or a flavor cartridge. Also input into the combination unit 93 is
regular water from the bypass line 91. A user input 95 into the
controller 125, for example, determines whether fluid output from
the combination unit 93 into the fluid tube 65 comprises only
conditioned fluid from the fluid-out line 85, only regular water
from the bypass line 91, or a combination thereof. The user input
95 comprises a rotatable knob, a pedal, or a foot switch, operable
by a user, for determining the proportions of conditioned fluid and
regular water. These proportions may be determined according to the
pedal or knob position. In the pedal embodiment, for example, a
full-down pedal position corresponds to only conditioned fluid from
the fluid outline 85 being output into the fluid tube 65, and a
full pedal up position corresponds to only water from the bypass
line 91 being output into the fluid tube 65. The bypass line 91,
the combination unit 93, and the user input 95 provide versatility,
but may be omitted, according to preference. A simple embodiment
for conditioning fluid would comprises only the fluid conditioning
subunit 87.
An alternative embodiment of the fluid conditioning subunit 87 is
shown in FIG. 8. The fluid conditioning subunit 187 inputs air from
air line 113 via an air input line 181, and outputs conditioned
fluid via a fluid output line 185. The fluid output line 185
preferably extends vertically down into the reservoir 183 into the
fluid 191 located therein. The lid 184 may be removed and
conditioned fluid inserted into the reservoir 183. Alternatively, a
solid or liquid form of fluid conditioner may be added to water
already in the reservoir 183. The fluid is preferably conditioned,
using either a scent fluid drop or a scent tablet (not shown), and
may be supplied with fungible cartridges, for example.
The fluid 191 within the reservoir 183 may be conditioned to
achieve a desired flavor, such as a fruit flavor or a mint flavor,
or may be conditioned to achieve a desired scent, such as an air
freshening smell. A conditioned fluid having a scent, a scented
mist, or a scented source of air, may be particularly advantageous
for implementation in connection with an air conditioning unit, as
shown in FIG. 9 and discussed below. In addition to flavor and
scents, other conditioning agents may be selectively added to a
conventional water line, mist line, or air line. For example, an
ionized solution, such as saline water, or a pigmented solution may
be added, as discussed below. Additionally, agents may be added to
change the density, specific gravity, pH, temperature, or viscosity
of water and/or air supplied to a drilling or cutting operation.
Medications, such as antibiotics, steroids, anesthetics,
anti-inflammatories, disinfectants, adrenaline, epinephrine, or
astringents may be added to the water and/or air used in a drilling
or cutting operation. For example, an astringent may be applied to
a surgical area, via the water line to reduce bleeding. Vitamins,
herbs, or minerals may also be used for conditioning the air or
water used in a cutting or drilling procedure. An anesthetic or
anti-inflammatory applied to a surgical wound may reduce discomfort
to the patient or trauma to the wound, and an antibiotic or
disinfectant may prevent infection to the wound.
The air conditioning subunit shown in FIG. 9 is connectible into an
existing air line 113, via interfaces 286 and 289. Conventional air
enters the conditioning subunit via the air input line 281, and
exits an air output line 285. The air input line 281 preferably
extends vertically into the reservoir 283 into a fluid 291 within
the reservoir 283. The fluid 291 is preferably conditioned, using
either a scent fluid drop or a scent tablet (not shown). The fluid
291 may be conditioned with other agents, as discussed above in the
context of conditioning water. According to the present invention,
water in the water line 31 or air in the air line 32 of a
conventional laser cutting system (FIG. 2) is conditioned. Either
the fluid tube 65 or the air tube 63 (FIG. 5a) of the
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter is conditioned. In
addition to laser operations, the air and/or water of a dental
drilling, irrigating, suction, or electrocautery system may also be
conditioned.
Many of the above-discussed conditioning agents may change the
absorption of the electromagnetic energy into the atomized fluid
particles in the electromagnetically induced mechanical cutting
environment of the presently preferred embodiment. Accordingly, the
type of conditioning may effect the cutting power of an
electromagnetic or an electromagnetically induced mechanical
cutter. Thus, in addition to the direct benefits achievable through
these various conditioning agents discussed above, such as flavor
or medication, these various conditioning agents further provide
versatility and programmability to the type of cut resulting from
the electromagnetic or electromagnetically induced mechanical
cutter. For example, introduction of a saline solution will reduce
the speed of cutting. Such a biocompatible saline solution may be
used for delicate cutting operations or, alternatively, may be used
with a higher laser-power setting to approximate the cutting power
achievable with regular water.
Pigmented fluids may also be used with the electromagnetic or the
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter, according to the
present invention. The electromagnetic energy source may be set for
maximum absorption of atomized fluid particles having a certain
pigmentation, for example. These pigmented atomized fluid particles
may then be used to achieve the mechanical cutting. A second water
or mist source may be used in the cutting operation, but since this
second water or mist is not pigmented, the interaction with the
electromagnetic energy source is minimized. As just one example of
many, this secondary mist or water source could be flavored.
According to another configuration, the atomized fluid particles
may be unpigmented, and the electromagnetic or the
electromagnetically induced energy source may be set to provide
maximum energy absorption for these unpigmented atomized fluid
particles. A secondary pigmented fluid or mist may then be
introduced into the surgical area, and this secondary mist or water
would not interact significantly with the electromagnetic energy
source. As another example, a single source of atomized fluid
particles may be switchable between pigmentation and
non-pigmentation, and the electromagnetic energy source may be set
to be absorbed by one of the two pigment states to thereby provide
a dimension of controllability as to exactly when cutting is
achieved.
Disinfectant may be added to an air or water source in order to
combat bacteria growth within the air and water lines, and on
surfaces within a dental operating room. The air and water lines of
the dental unit 116, for example, may be periodically flushed with
a disinfectant selected by the controller 125 and supplied by the
fluid conditioning unit 121. An accessory tube disinfecting unit
123 may accommodate disinfecting cartridges and perform
standardized or preprogrammed periodic flushing operations.
Even in a dental or medical procedure, an appropriate disinfectant
may be used. The disinfectant may be applied at the end of a dental
procedure as a mouthwash, for example, or may be applied during a
medical or dental procedure. The air and water used to cool the
tissue being cut or drilled within the patient's mouth, for
example, is often vaporized into the air to some degree. According
to the present invention, a conditioned disinfectant solution will
also be vaporized with air or water, and condensate onto surfaces
of the dental equipment within the dental operating room. Any
bacteria growth on these moist surfaces is significantly
attenuated, as a result of the disinfectant on the surfaces.
Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and
described, many other changes, modifications and substitutions, in
addition to those set forth in the above paragraph, may be made by
one having ordinary skill in the art without necessarily departing
from the spirit and scope of this invention.
* * * * *